On the historical origins of the Heidelberg Catechism
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Date
2014
Authors
Strohm, C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State
Abstract
Reflection on the origins of the Heidelberg Catechism reveals it to be a document of
understanding between Calvinistic-Reformed, Zwinglian and Lutheran-Philippistic
tendencies within Protestantism. One important reason for the success of the
Heidelberg Catechism was the fact that each one of these groups appreciated the
Catechism. At the same time it clearly distances itself from Tridentine Catholicism
and from the Gnesio-Lutheran variant of Lutheranism. This occurs mainly in the
doctrine of the Lord’s Supper. The repudiation of the mass as “condemnable
idolatry” is a result of the orientation to the Reformation of John Calvin. Here papal
religion was seen as superstition and a fundamental violation of the true worship of
God as well as an infringement of God’s honour. The experience of persecution by
the Papal church in France and the Netherlands aggravated the criticism.
Description
Keywords
Heidelberg Catechism, Historical origin, Lord's Supper, Reform, John Calvin, Criticism
Citation
Strohm, C. (2014). On the historical origins of the Heidelberg Catechism. Acta Theologica, 34, 16-34.